As enthusiasts, we all know the true appeal of owning classic cars is expressing our own individuality through purpose-built machines that are rolling extensions of everything which defines us. And whether that means constructing a canvas from the ground up, or taking a solid foundation and adding just enough detail for perfection, the hobby certainly has no shortage of ideas, inspiration or talent. That said, if you’ve been a long-term car junkie, chances are you find yourself a bit jaded. And no matter how spectacular everyday classics are, you probably have a hard time rekindling the wide-eyed excitement that sparked your decades-old addiction. So, what does a seasoned gearhead do when he loses his appetite for striped Camaros and fiberglass Ford 3-Windows? He snatches up a super cool rarity like this sweet Lincoln Zephyr! Built to turn heads and drop jaws, this striking coupe wraps a spry GM small block and stalwart GM 3-speed in a tastefully chopped steel and plush leather trim. Want to be the center of attention wherever you go? Your classic awaits!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The first generation of Lincoln’s famous Z-car is easily one of Detroit’s most handsome creations. It elegantly perfected the famed ‘teardrop’ design vocabulary on the way to becoming a mainstay at America’s finest establishments. Approaching this professionally modified Zephyr, it’s difficult not to be taken with the car’s sinuous profile. Original Henry Ford steel was essentially perfected during a 5-year, no expense spared restoration. That detailed process saw the car fully stripped and carefully chopped by 5.5 inches. And when everything was smooth and solid, a rich coat of glossy black 2-stage was sanded, buffed and selectively re-chromed.

Of course, ‘selective’ doesn’t necessarily mean skimping on the details. This well-executed coupe strikes an excellent balance between Ford’s hallmark pre-war aesthetic and the monochromatic style of modern hot rodding. At the front of its curvaceous body, highly polished grilles flank modern, tri-bar headlights that are fitted with traditional, streamlined surrounds. At the sides of those grilles, a characteristically clean and simple profile hangs shaved doors and factory fender skirts behind stylish mirrors, polished trim and subtle pinstriping. At the top of that profile, a long hood flows into a filled cowl, which anchors retro spotlights in front of frameless glass. And at the back of the car, a shaved decklid caps a custom bumper, polished, quad-outlet exhaust and awesome ’37 Zephyr taillights.

ENGINE

Tilt this hot rod’s hood and you’ll see where tradition ends and convenience begins. Instead of sticking with Lincoln’s uncommon V12, the restorers decided that a reliable GM crate engine would be an excellent addition to the car’s hip looks, and we can’t help but agree. Fitting perfectly under a custom, shaker-inspired cowl, the spry 350 is almost as fun to look at as it is to drive! That faux shaker feeds a polished air cleaner, which rides a modern Holley carburetor that’s fitted with a trusty Lokar throttle linkage. Beneath that carb, an aluminum, bowtie-branded intake bolts between a polished bowtie oil cap, a polished bowtie breather, polished bowtie valve covers and cast GM heads. At the back of of that intake, a proven HEI distributor shoots spark through quality GM Performance Parts plug wires. Beneath those cables, cast exhaust manifolds ensure the block breathes well. At the front of those tubes, a pliable serpentine belt spins a modern alternator opposite a modern AC compressor. A beefy aluminum radiator makes excellent use of a centered puller fan. And the clean mill sports a subdued layer of Jet Black skin.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Every good kustom has a solid foundation. Flip this polished classic upside down and you’ll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix vintage looks with modern mobility. A tough 700R4 4-speed drives a familiar 10-bolt axle, which pushes a sturdy factory chassis that’s fitted with fresh leaf springs. Modern power steering utilizes an AGR gearbox to mix steady apexes with tight turns. Power front disc and rear drum brakes are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade. There’s a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system that makes good use of brash turbo mufflers. And everything rolls on 8.20-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, which lap a cool combination of polished Intros and stainless-trimmed steelies.

INTERIOR

One of this classic’s coolest assets is a thoroughly upgraded interior that’s decidedly retro in flavor. For starters, and despite its chopped top, the car certainly feels more spacious than the average street rod. Hit the door poppers and you’re immediately greeted by modern leather thrones that feature full power adjustment. Below those seats, luxurious carpet floats color-keyed floor mats around a billet accelerator pedal, a painted Lokar shifter, a plush armrest and a polished emergency brake handle. At the sides of that rug, custom-finished doors hang 1-piece power windows behind contoured armrests and flush billet handles. In front of those doors, a classy, Lincoln-branded dash frames ornate Classic Instruments telemetry opposite hidden controls for the car’s modern climate system. In front of the driver, a requisite factory wheel traces a painted and tilting column. And behind the passenger’s, a fully finished trunk swallows whatever gear the car’s custom upholstered cargo area can’t.

From its hallmark grilles to its trick bumper, this classy Zephyr is a completely sorted head turner that’s ready to hit the road. A custom piece like this could never be duplicated for anywhere near our asking price, and when you consider the time and labor put into its build, the car’s significance becomes very clear. Looking for a killer kustom that mixes amazing street prowess with excellent curb appeal? Don’t miss the chance to claim this hot rod Lincoln!